RUSSIAN SAMOVAR
GRADE BWednesday, May 7, 2025
RUSSIAN SAMOVAR in Midtown Times Square received a Grade B on their NYC health inspection on May 7, 2025 with a score of 27 points. The inspection found 4 violations, including 4 critical.
Violations Cited
02H
Food Not Cooled by Approved Method
After cooking or removal from hot holding, TCS food not cooled by an approved method whereby the internal temperature is reduced from 140 °F to 70 °F or less within 2 hours, and from 70 °F to 41 °F or less within 4 additional hours.
TOXIN PRODUCTION: Slow cooling is the #1 cause of foodborne outbreaks. Clostridium perfringens spores survive cooking and germinate during slow cooling, producing heat-stable toxin. Causes 'buffet illness' affecting hundreds at events. Staph aureus produces toxin that CANNOT be destroyed by reheating.
Cool using approved methods: Shallow pans (2 inches max depth), Ice baths with frequent stirring, Ice paddles, Blast chillers, Cut large items into portions. NEVER cool at room temperature. NEVER stack hot containers. Document cooling times and temperatures.
09B
Thawing procedure improper
Thawing procedure improper.
Improper thawing allows surface bacteria to multiply while interior remains frozen
Thaw under refrigeration, under cold running water, in microwave, or as part of cooking
02B
Hot TCS Food Not Held at 140°F or Above
Hot TCS food item not held at or above 140 °F.
BACTERIAL MULTIPLICATION: At 120°F, Clostridium perfringens doubles every 10 minutes. Can reach illness-causing levels within 1 hour. This bacteria causes 1 million US cases annually with severe abdominal cramps and diarrhea lasting 24 hours. Hot holding violations responsible for 40% of restaurant outbreaks.
Maintain ALL hot foods at 140°F minimum. Check temperatures every 30 minutes for problem foods, every 2 hours otherwise. Use calibrated thermometers. Adjust equipment immediately if below 140°F. Reheat to 165°F if below temp for under 2 hours. DISCARD if below 140°F for over 2 hours.
03A
Food from unapproved or unknown source
Food, prohibited, from unapproved or unknown source, home canned or home prepared. Animal slaughtered, butchered or dressed (eviscerated, skinned) in establishment. Reduced Oxygen Packaged (ROP) fish not frozen before processing. ROP food prepared on premises transported to another site.
Unapproved sources may contain parasites, chemicals, or pathogens not eliminated by cooking
Purchase from licensed, inspected suppliers; maintain invoices; no home-prepared foods
Violations were cited in the following area(s).
RUSSIAN SAMOVAR — Inspection Questions
- Did RUSSIAN SAMOVAR pass their NYC health inspection on May 7, 2025?
- RUSSIAN SAMOVAR received a B grade on May 7, 2025 with a score of 27 points. The inspection found 4 violation(s).
- What critical violations did RUSSIAN SAMOVAR have?
- RUSSIAN SAMOVAR had 4 critical violation(s) during their inspection. Critical violations directly contribute to foodborne illness and must be corrected immediately. These include issues with temperature control, hand washing, cross-contamination, and pest infestations.
- What does violation code 02H mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
- NYC violation 02H (Food Not Cooled by Approved Method) is a critical violation. Cooked foods must be rapidly cooled from 140°F to 70°F within 2 hours, then to 41°F within 4 additional hours. TOXIN PRODUCTION: Slow cooling is the #1 cause of foodborne outbreaks. Clostridium perfringens spores survive cooking and germinate during slow cooling, producing heat-stable toxin. Causes 'buffet illness' affecting hundreds at events. Staph aureus produces toxin that CANNOT be destroyed by reheating.
- What does violation code 09B mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
- NYC violation 09B (Thawing procedure improper) is a major violation. Frozen foods must be thawed using approved methods to prevent bacterial growth Improper thawing allows surface bacteria to multiply while interior remains frozen
- What does violation code 02B mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
- NYC violation 02B (Hot TCS Food Not Held at 140°F or Above) is a critical violation. Hot potentially hazardous foods must be maintained at 140°F or above to prevent rapid bacterial growth in the danger zone (41-140°F). BACTERIAL MULTIPLICATION: At 120°F, Clostridium perfringens doubles every 10 minutes. Can reach illness-causing levels within 1 hour. This bacteria causes 1 million US cases annually with severe abdominal cramps and diarrhea lasting 24 hours. Hot holding violations responsible for 40% of restaurant outbreaks.
- What does violation code 03A mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
- NYC violation 03A (Food from unapproved or unknown source) is a critical violation. All food must come from approved, inspected sources to ensure safety Unapproved sources may contain parasites, chemicals, or pathogens not eliminated by cooking